New Dates Set for Final Scheduled Shuttle Missions
As expected, NASA has reset the dates for the final two scheduled space shuttle missions. STS-133 (Discovery) is now expected to be launched on November 1, 2010 (instead of in September) and STS-134 (Endeavour) on February 26, 2011 (instead of November 2010).
With the slip into the second quarter of FY2011, additional funds may be needed for the shuttle program above what is requested in the President’s FY2011 budget. That shuttle funding request included $600 million to cover shuttle operations only for the first quarter of FY2011.
Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) supporters undoubtedly are pleased with the news. Many have wanted to spread out the remaining shuttle flights both to keep more of the workforce employed and to allow more logistical flexibility.
Meanwhile, Senator Bill Nelson continues to press for the addition of one more shuttle flight, the so-called “launch on need” mission.
User Comments
SpacePolicyOnline.com has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate. We do not post comments that include links to other websites since we have no control over that content nor can we verify the security of such links.